The Federal Government has announced plans to expand medical, nursing and allied health training institutions while pursuing an ethical migration framework for Nigerian health professionals as part of efforts to address the country’s healthcare workforce needs and strengthen the health sector.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this during a high-level meeting with the Chargé d’Affaires at the High Commission of Canada in Nigeria, David Sproule, in Abuja, where both countries agreed to deepen collaboration on health workforce development, sustainable financing, digital innovation and resilient health systems.
Pate said the expansion of training institutions was aimed at producing more skilled healthcare professionals to meet growing demand within Nigeria and internationally, stressing that the Federal Government was committed to ensuring that the migration of health workers benefits both countries without undermining Nigeria’s healthcare system.
“Nigeria is building a stronger and more self-reliant health system anchored on national ownership, strategic investments and partnerships that strengthen our institutions. We welcome collaborations that expand opportunities for our health workforce, build local capacity and deliver better health outcomes for all Nigerians,” the minister said.
He explained that the Tinubu administration’s health sector reforms are focused on increasing domestic health financing, strengthening national institutions and reducing long-term dependence on external assistance through greater local ownership and accountability.
According to him, Nigeria and Canada also explored collaboration in pre-service medical education, simulation laboratories, digital health technologies, professional certification, and the local manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, diagnostics and biological products to improve the country’s health security and self-reliance.
Pate noted that the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Canada provided an opportunity to establish mutually beneficial partnerships that support ethical health worker mobility while enhancing Nigeria’s capacity to train, retain and continuously develop healthcare professionals.
The Canadian envoy, Sproule, commended Nigeria’s ongoing health sector reforms and reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to supporting the country’s priorities through partnerships that promote sustainable development, stronger institutions and national ownership.
He also expressed Canada’s readiness to expand cooperation in health systems strengthening, human resources for health, digital innovation and primary healthcare.
Both countries agreed to deepen their longstanding health partnership by pursuing practical areas of collaboration in sustainable health financing, workforce development, local capacity building, innovation and health security, with the goal of improving healthcare delivery and outcomes for Nigerians.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said it remains committed to strengthening strategic international partnerships that align with Nigeria’s health priorities and accelerate the delivery of quality, equitable and sustainable healthcare across the country.
